Bits and pieces of my life. I am a lifelong Christian. I have been married for over 39 years to Stan. No children. We have 3 Italian Greyhounds: Persephone, Dresden & Capodimonte and a calico cat named Binky. We have 9 nieces/nephews and 9 grandnieces/nephews whom we love. My hobbies are genealogy, reading, digital scrapbooking, history, dogs, homemaking. This is a personal blog and not a business. I share what interests me and I am not selling anything or making a profit.

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..........Contact me at Mom25dogs@gmail.com.........

Saturday, February 27, 2010

The A.T. is open to walkers, hikers, and backpackers. It is closed to motor vehicles and bicycles. It is closed to horses, except in certain limited sections where they are expressly allowed. Dogs are prohibited on the sections of the Trail within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (NC & TN) and Baxter State Park (ME), and must be on a leash on all national-park lands and most other Trail sections. I'm not a hiker but I think it's a shame that dogs and horses aren't allowed on the entire trail.

Conceived in 1921 and completed in 1937, the footpath spans the nation from north to south, Maine to Georgia. According to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, more than 9,000 people have hiked the entire trail since its completion. First-time thru-hikers may spend anywhere from $3,000-$5,000 to travel the entire AT, not including the cost of gear. You can figure on a minimum of $200/week. The trail has more than 250 shelters and camp sites available for hikers. Shelters are usually spaced a day or less apart. The trail crosses many roads, thus providing ample opportunity for hikers to hitchhike into town for food and other supplies. Many trail towns are accustomed to hikers passing through, and thus many have hotels and hiker-oriented accommodations.

In heavily used areas, A.T. “ridgerunners” and “caretakers” act as roving “eyes and ears” for Trail managers and for public education. Some carry two-way radios that may enable them to radio for help where cell phones do not work. However, many areas of the A.T. are remote, and help may be far away. ATC has no law-enforcement authority but can readily contact those who do in a particular area and help them help you. Cell phones won't work all the time because of no reception. But carrying a gun for protection is actually illegal. They are illegal on National Park Service lands (40 percent of the Trail) and in most other areas without a permit. Non-lethal weapons are illegal in some states. And you can't have your dog with you on some parts of the trail!?! Their suggestion is to think through various scenarios and know ahead of time what you would do and carry a whistle. Then dial 911. I'm not kidding, those are the suggestions on the nps.gov site! It's absurd! And, for those reasons, I would never be caught on the AT. If you do brave it, then let your family know where you are as often as you can, travel in a group, do NOT hitch hike and pray a lot.

Outside of the handful of towns it passes through between ridges, there are a variety of private stores, restaurants, and lodging options available relatively close to the A.T. in many areas. Many long-distance hikers plan "town stops" every few days to refresh and resupply, visit the post office, make phone calls, shower, check in, etc.

Here are some other things to be aware of:

Bugs-yes, I said bugs. You have to be careful with bugs. Ticks, spider bites, etc can be dangerous when you are out on the AT and nowhere close to a doctor. If you have any allergies to bug bites like I do... forget it. But even a hardened outdoorsman can get Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Lyme Disease, infected mosquito bites, etc.

Snakes-a no-brainer. A snake bite on the trail and you could die before getting help.

Illness-let's say you eat something that doesn't agree with you and you vomit and have diarrhea. Not such a big deal at home but on a trail, you could get dehydrated and not be able to make it to a town. You are on your own 2 feet and if anything happens to keep those 2 feet from moving... you're out of luck! You may think you are in excellent health but you never know what could come up such as a kidney stone or foot blisters... anything that could come up and make you unable to walk out.

Injury-you trip over a root and break an ankle. Too bad. You have to wait for someone to come along and get them to go for help.

Storms-lightening, heavy rains, hypothermia

Other hikers-I'm sure there are many wonderful hikers on the AT and I've read some of the stories of people going out of their way to be helpful, friendly and caring. But who else is on the trail? Weirdos? Criminals? Perverts? Any isolated spot can attract the wrong kinds of people and you simply don't know who a person is. You've just met them on the AT and really have no idea who they are. They may really be that nice buddy who becomes a lifetime friend but they could be one of Manson's family for all you know.

Now I've told you the worst parts. (That's enough to keep me off the AT. Aren't you glad?) But there are reasons why people put themselves through a hike on the Appalachian Trail.

OK, so I couldn't think of a reason why people hike the AT. For the same reason I can't think why people climb Mt. Everest or sail around the world. It's just not in me. If I want to see beautiful mountain scenery, we take a drive to the Blue Ridge Parkway. If I want to picnic, we take a picnic basket to a nice park. If I want to walk, I take a walk and come home to sit in my hot tub. And I've always hated camping. So I don't feel like I'm missing out on something by not hiking the AT. But from what I see on the Internet, there are people who love it and are devoted to it. Some dream of hiking the whole way (called a thruway hike). Our Governor, Mark Sanford, used the AT as a smokescreen to run down to South America and play around with his mistress. (How embarrassing!) So the AT is good for something, LOL! I'm very proud of our nation for having the foresight to set apart our national parks and keeping huge chunks of our precious land and resources from being destroyed and the AT is a part of that. It's a good thing!

If you are one of those hardy souls who dream of hiking the AT, here is a list of things to take:

Guidebook/Map(s). While you could conceivably download and print out all the information you'll need with you on your hike, it's much more efficient to procure a guidebook and maps from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy's online store. A good guidebook will give you all the info you need, in one compact package. If not included in the guidebook, get a macro view map of the complete trail as well as maps of trail sections.

Food. You'll need to carry at least a week's worth of food at a time, allot 1.5 to 2 lbs. for each day's worth of food, and count on consuming 3,000 to 7,000 calories each day, depending on your size and the hike's length and difficulty. This means you'll have to pack light, favoring dry goods over canned. Thru-hikes and long sectional hikes will require either buying food along the trail, or making mail drops—mailing supplies ahead to stores along the trail, so you can minimize backpack weight. Along a hike, dogs can eat as much as twice their usual amount, so pack dog food accordingly. Also consider bringing concentrated energy dog food with more calories—it will save space.

Resources for planning mail drops are available from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy's Resupply and Mail Drops page.'.

Water Filter (certified). Giardiasis is an illness that can be contaminated water, and the resulting acute stomach problems are sure to put a damper on your trip. The most reliable way to kill it is to boil the water, but a properly certified water filter will work as well. Before buying a filter, make certain that it is marked as an "Absolute 1 micron filter," that meets "International Standard #53 for Cyst Removal."

Water container(s). You can go with a traditional canteen, or a form-fitting, flexible hydration pack. What's important is to have water easily accessible while hiking. Consider getting a large, flexible water tank for transporting larger amounts of water between the creek and the camp, or keeping it overnight.

Leash. Bring two 6 to 9 foot leashes for your dog, as well as a long tie-out for frolicking at camp. If you let your dog run free on the AT, he may get lost and die of starvation or worse.

Stove. Especially if it's cold weather, however, make sure to bring a lightweight Camping Stove. Campfires are permitted in certain designated areas (consult your maps and guide books), but Appallachian Trail Conservancy discourages their use, due to the negative environmental impact and potential for forest fires. If you're going on a Summer hike, consider lightening your load by eating food that does not require cooking.

Cook pot/utensils. Utensils and cooking gear come in all varieties. A dedicated camping pot will be lighter weight than a standard kitchen pot. Eating ware and cooking utensils that are meant specifically for camping are easy to carry and less likely to be lost.

First aid kit. Pick up a readymade kit specifically for hiking. It should include sterile dressings, antibiotic and burn ointments, adhesive bandages, solutions for flushing eyes, a thermometer and other crucial items. If bringing along a canine companion, also procure a dog first aid kit, as well as the American Red Cross' guide to Dog First Aid.

Prescription medications. Make sure you pack these in your first-aid kit. If your dog needs prescription meds, bring those along too!

Matches/candles. Also, a waterproof container and waterproof matches.

Cell phone. Though reception is spotty along the trail, a cell phone could just save your life in an emergency. To conserve the battery, you'll keep it off most of the time, but you make want to bring along some extra juice in the form an emergency cell phone charger.

Radio. Try to acquire a hand-crank model that receives National Weather Service alerts.

Clothing. It's an art to pack enough clothes without weighing yourself down. Windshirts are lightweight and make the most of your base layers. Wool socks. High-tech wool socks are lightweight and don't itch. Bandannas. Very versatile: you can use them for covering your head, or as a sieve for straining pasta. Dog booties. For dogs on the trail, foot injuries are common and disabling. Bring a pair of protective shoes for rough terrain.

Other tips: Pick items with multiple uses, like a poncho that can double as a tarp, and see if you can share clothing with your hiking partner (if you have one).Tent. Dome and tunnel tents are two popular styles of tent. Nylon and polyester models are preferable to cotton for their light weight.

There are some ingenious tent designs on the market today and you can outfit yourself for a few hundred bucks.

Pocket knife. The classic Swiss army knife can range from a basic model to the state-of-the-art.

Prescription glasses. If you wear them, bring an extra pair.

Toilet paper. Go green with your TP, using Bio-Wipes, or a similar product.

Footwear/flip flops. Don't forget a comfy pair of sandals for hanging out around the campfire.

Sleeping bag/mat. Something to put between your sleeping bag and the hard ground can make a big difference to your back.

Flashlight/batteries. LED flashlights are a great option, and some of them also double as lanterns.

Cellophane bags. You will find innumerable uses for these.

Trash bag. Can be used as a poncho if needed.

Nylon rope. Get a few lengths of nylon rope for everything from hanging laundry to holding up the tent.

Pocket mirror. Can be used as an emergency signaling tool.

Insect repellent. Whether you want to cover your entire campground or just spray it on yourself, it's a great way to get relief.

Compass. The age-old Compass navigation device is a must-have. You can even use your cell phone as a compass.

Sun screen. Use something with an SPF of 15 or above. And remember, the sun is strongest between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Hat. The bigger the brim, the better. You want to make sure the back of your neck is covered, too.

Earplugs. The trail is home to some noisy nocturnal creatures. You can go plastic or pick up a container of foam earplugs at any drug store.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Rocking chairs were developed in the 1700's. Some attribute it's invention to Benjamin Franklin but it's not known for sure. A rocking chair is usually associated with peace and calm because of the gentle motion, the back and forth rhythm that soothes a baby to sleep. It's comfortable not only because of the motion but because, even sitting still it will rock back to a more centered gravity. You can also push it back and place your feet on a stool.

My Mom has her mother's rocker. Here is a picture of my Great Grandmother rocking one of her great grandchildren, Glenn Jr. She's in the same rocking chair that Mom has now.

My Mom had 3 girls and we are 2 yrs apart. She would plunk one on each arm of the rocking chair and the baby on her lap in order to rock us all. She loved rocking her babies. This chair would have been the ideal thing! LOL!

We tend to think of rocking chairs on porches.

Or in nurseries.

But don't forget we can have them inside. Here are some pictures I found on the Internet that have rocking chairs.

I have a rocking chair in my kitchen and everyone likes sitting in it.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

The Swedish style of home decorating is heavily influenced by the light and weather. Long dreary winters with early dusk and a lack of natural light meant a need to bring the lightness indoors. {ale, light, airy, and lustrous is popular with Swedish walls, furniture and floors. Pale walls, floors, and furnishings reflect the natural light and are thought to be cheerful and calm. Walls, floors, accessories, and furniture are painted or stained in pale tones of white, cream, soft yellow, pale pink, soft green, and dove gray. Often distressed. After white, blue is the color most often used in Swedish style interiors. The tone reflects or emits the feeling of a clear, fresh day and coordinates easily with the other colors of the Swedish color palette.

Soft hues and understated elegance characterize the painted Swedish furniture. Wooden frames and delicate, carved legs are found on a typical Swedish style sofa. Fluted, delicate legs, carved table borders and mirrors, and beaded edging are common on furniture.

Light colored woods are used for case goods and flooring. Birch, white pine, beech, and alder are readily available and common. Woods are often bleached or painted or stained with white or pale paints.

Swedish interior design is often a base of plain and an almost primitive look but then it's starkness is softened with a beautiful piece of furnitre, a clock, an ornate stove... something that is an understated relief. Swedish home decor shows a distressed sophistication. Spots of color like red, gold, blue, green stand out against the white or pale colors. Decorating in the Swedish style requires restraint. A few well-placed accessories is enough.

I would not recommend this book to anyone. The language is filthy, there are detailed sexual encounters and drug usage is casual and "normal."

This book is about 4 college friend and one hanger-on. They attend Sexton, an art college. Henry, Tess, Valerie (Winnie) and Spencer meet the insane Suz. Val and Spencer are a couple at the beginning. Val is a cutter and this is described as almost a sexual high which is another reason for not reading the book. Tess is pining for Henry but Henry only has eyes for Suz when she comes into their group. Suz is as wicked as they come, a female Charles Manson. Her personal motto is Dismantled=Freedom. She thinks everything has to be torn down. In fact, her "art" is to build something and then destroy it. The group become the "Compassionate Dismantlers" which is an oxymoron. There is NOTHING compassionate about these dismantlers. Trying to be so off beat, different, avant guarde they really are the worst of the following followers. Suz holds them completely in her hands and she just follows the devil. Just like Manson and his "family". Anything Suz tells them to do, they do, despite their own conscience. She immediately sets out to dismantle each group member. Her sarcasm, personal attacks, mockery, dares, all are to break them down. Then she begins to break down the relationships. She destroys Val and Spencer's relationship by seducing Val. She changes Val's name to Winnie as another way to show that Val/Winnie is no longer the old Val that Spencer loves but her newest and most complete transformation, Winnie. Winnie is Suz's creation. She owns Winnie body and soul. She's cut all her hair off and changed Winnie's clothes for black t-shirt and jeans. She gives Winnie a rifle. Then she keeps messing with Henry and Tess. She pushes and pulls Henry to keep him totally off balance but she encourages Tess to go for Henry. Here is where we see how much like Suz, Winnie becomes… she sabotages their relationship by piercing Henry's condoms with a pin and Tess gets pregnant. Winnie has been watching Henry and Suz and knows Henry's feelings for her and she wants to be sure she ties Henry to Tess and leave her Suz alone. Meanwhile, Suz's hatred for Spencer becomes more and more malignant. Despite all of them feeling sorry for him, Suz still gets her way and they help her. They drug him, take him off to the wilderness, strip him of his clothes and leave him to find his own way back. He does find his own way and finds their little cabin in the woods by the lake. So she tells them they are going to kidnap him (his father is rich) and ask for ransom. She drugs him and they tie him up. Tess has found out she's pregnant and she finally decides to pack up and get out because she's afraid Suz will kill Spencer. She tells Henry that she's pregnant and they argue but Suz can't stand for anyone else to get attention so she announces they are killing Spencer. Winnie carries the rifle and keeps it at his head the whole time. To let you know how messed up they all are, Spencer has been taking it all like a joke and still declares his love to Val/Winnie every chance he gets but Winnie is becoming more and more like Suz with her vindictive behavior. She's become totally butch and is holding a rifle to her ex-boyfriend's head for crying out loud. So Tess decides to "sabotage" Suz. She puts 4 Benadryl in Suz's Tequila so that Suz will pass out and they won't have to kill Spencer. So they all get drunk on Tequila, including poor tied-up Spencer. Then they walk him to the lake to "drown him". Suz commands Winnie to shoot him in the head. Henry and Suz begin arguing and she tells him that SHE'S pregnant too. It seems they had a sexual encounter recently. Winnie, Tess and Spencer hear all this and they get all upset too. In the heat of the moment, Tess picks up a rock and heaves it at Suz to make her shut up but it hits her directly in the head and she's dead. Henry tells them they have to sink her in the lake and tell everyone that she hitchhiked to California so he fills her clothes with rocks and drags her out to the middle of the lake and lets her sink. They all leave the cabin as it was and go back to their lives. Henry and Tess get married and have a wonderful little girl named Emma.

Ten years later, Emma is 11 years old, her parents are separating. Her father has had to move out to the apartment in the barn. She's desperate for her beloved Daddy to move back in. At 11 years old she still has an imaginary friend named Danner. Her real buddy is Mel and she and Mel decide to look around for something that might bring her parents back together. They find Suz's Journal and a stack of polaroids of the group. They decide that seeing old college friends might make them relive how they fell in love in the first place so they send out postcards to Spencer, Winnie and Suz which only read "Dismantled=Freedom". When Spencer gets his postcard he commits suicide. But whatever happened to Val/Winnie? How are the mysterious happenings affecting Henry and Tess? Why is their daughter seemingly in contact with Suz? Can Suz still dismantle, even from the grave?

1. After determining that your dog is choking, remove any item that may be constricting the neck. Examine inside the mouth and remove any foreign object you see. Do not blindly place your hand down your pet's throat and pull any object you feel. Dogs have small bones that support the base of their tongues. Owners probing the throat for a foreign object have mistaken these for chicken bones. Do not attempt to remove an object unless you can see and identify it. If your pet is small and you cannot easily remove the object, lift and suspend him with the head pointed down. For larger animals, lift the rear legs so the head is tilted down. This can help dislodge an item stuck in the throat. Another method is to administer a sharp blow between the shoulder blades using the palm of your hand. This can sometimes dislodge an object. If this does not work, a modified Heimlich maneuver can be attempted.

2. Grasp the animal around the waist so that the rear is nearest to you, similar to a bear hug.

3. Place a fist just behind the ribs.

4. Compress the abdomen several times (usually 3-5 times) with quick pushes.5. Check the mouth to see if the foreign object has been removed.This maneuver can be repeated one to two times, but if it is not successful on the first attempt, make arrangements to immediately take your pet to the nearest veterinary hospital. Even if you are successful in removing a foreign object, veterinary examination is recommended. Internal injury could have occurred that may not be apparent.

Monday, February 22, 2010

Today, I stripped my refrigerator. I purged, cleaned and put it back together. I like to use baskets in my refrigerator to act as drawers. I line them with paper towels to help catch any spills. I keep a large glass jar with my cornmeal in the back of my refrigerator (on top, don't know if you can see it but it's behind the water pitcher). I group all my condiments (for hot dogs/hamburgers/sandwiches) together, pickles together, etc. Here is my refrigerator:

Then I got on the Internet and did some Google searches on other people's ideas on organizing a refrigerator. Here are some of the great ideas I came across:

These people are having to pack a lot in their refrigerator and somebody likes eggs! But it's neat and in order and I like the turntable idea!

Recycling beer crates is a good idea. They are already made to fit the door and it will keep condiments and bottles from clanking and knocking each other as you pull them out by the handy handle!

A great idea for recycling an old picture frame. Use some heavy magnets and material and make a pocket for your shopping lists.

Corraling your yogurt is a great idea.

I like using see through containers for leftovers if I can so that I will remember. We eat leftovers around here.

These are nice little pitchers that fit in the door.

Using containers as dividers in your vegetable drawers is a great idea.

Some people like to line their refrigerator shelves to make cleanup easier. Just remove the shelf liner. Some even use newspaper. It's absorbent and can help if something spills.